PRESS RELEASES

St. Elizabeth's Hospital receives Certification for Pediatric Patients in the Emergency Department

(Belleville, IL) – St. Elizabeth’s Hospital is pleased to announce that it has received Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP) Certification. Holding this certification reduces the need for pediatric patients to be transferred to other facilities by offering appropriate pediatric care close to home. St. Elizabeth’s chose to seek this specialized certification to ensure that St. Elizabeth’s Emergency Department stands ready to care for children of all ages, from birth to adolescents, in any pediatric emergency situation and has a strong foundation for disaster readiness.

“Receiving EDAP Certification demonstrates our commitment to meet the needs of ill and/or injured children, including those with special needs, right here in our community,” noted Shelley Monheiser, RN, BSN, Director of Emergency Services/Urgent Care at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.

To qualify for EDAP certification, St. Elizabeth’s ED met specific criteria including requirements for pediatric equipment, physician coverage, ongoing pediatric education and policies, as well as having a designated Pediatric Liaison Nurse (PdLN).

“We are excited to offer our community and EMS partners the peace of mind in knowing we adhere to EDAP’s strict guidelines for care, quality and safety in pediatric emergency competencies,” said Monheiser. “We look forward to continuing our pediatric education to stay abreast of evolving pediatric medicine to offer the very best possible Emergency Department pediatric services on this side of the river.”

The EDAP Certification approval process is a component of the Illinois Emergency Medical System, which designates St. Elizabeth’s Emergency Department to receive 911-ambulance traffic of pediatric patients. Re-recognition shall occur every three years, with site visits scheduled as necessary.

In addition to this high level certification, the Emergency Department also has identified newly designated rooms specifically for pediatric patients to be seen during daytime hours should they not be able to be seen by a primary care physician. This enhancement to the ED area allows pediatric patients to be triaged quickly and seen by our specially trained hospitalists and nursing staff, all of which specialize in pediatric emergency care, including Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). The area is available 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is open to treat patients from birth to 18 years of age.